Former City Employee Arrested for Stealing from Senior Center

HOBBS, N.M. - A former employee of the City of Hobbs has been arrested for embezzling thousands of dollars from the local senior center.

42-year-old Leha Searcy of Hobbs turned herself in Friday to Hobbs Police and was charged with Embezzlement over $20,000 which is a second degree felony.

Searcy was secretary at the Hobbs Senior Citizens Center. She allegedly had been altering cash deposit records from the Senior Meals Program for the past couple of years. A routine audit revealed the discrepancies. Police say their investigation found almost $22,000 was missing.

If convicted, Searcy faces a maximum fine of $10,000.00 and 9 years in prison.

Water is always needed and protected in our area. Industry leaders in oil and gas have come to Midland County to discuss the precious resource during the first Permian Basin Water in Energy Conference.

Water is always needed and protected in our area. Industry leaders in oil and gas have come to Midland County to discuss the precious resource during the first Permian Basin Water in Energy Conference.